The pelican is a majestic waterbird that captivates with its appearance, large size, and unique habits. It can be found in various regions of the world, and each species has its own distinctive traits, making these birds a true wonder of nature. In ornithology, there are many interesting facts about pelicans that you may not know. For centuries, these birds have inspired admiration, motivating painters, writers, and researchers. Today, we have gathered the most fascinating facts about these extraordinary creatures so you can discover new aspects of their lives.
- Pelicans belong to one of the oldest groups of birds, with ancestors that lived around 30 million years ago. Paleontologists have discovered fossils almost indistinguishable from modern species, proving the stability of their appearance and lifestyle over millions of years. This indicates that pelicans are so well adapted to their ecological niche that they have barely changed throughout evolution.
- Today, there are eight species of pelicans in the world, found on every continent except Antarctica. Some species inhabit tropical and subtropical zones, while others live in temperate climates. They can be seen in freshwater lakes and rivers as well as along the coasts of seas and oceans.
- The most recognizable feature of pelicans is their enormous beak with an expandable throat pouch. This pouch is made of elastic skin, allowing it to stretch significantly while catching fish. Its shape and capacity help not only to trap prey but also to drain excess water before swallowing.
- A pelican’s throat pouch can hold up to 12 liters of water, but contrary to popular myth, they do not store food in it for long periods. Its main purpose is to aid in hunting and to cool the body during hot weather. When air temperatures rise, pelicans can move the pouch to increase evaporation and lower body heat.
- Pelicans swallow fish whole without chewing. Thanks to their flexible throat and special beak structure, they can easily swallow even long and slippery prey. They position the fish headfirst to prevent fins from hindering swallowing.
- The primary diet of pelicans consists of fish, though they sometimes catch small crustaceans, amphibians, and even insects. To maintain energy levels, an adult pelican needs to eat about 1.5 kilograms of food daily. When food is scarce, they can travel long distances in search of abundant fishing spots.
- Pelicans often hunt cooperatively, forming a large circle on the water. They drive fish toward the center and then take turns dipping their beaks into the water. This group hunting strategy allows them to catch much more prey than they would alone.
- The brown pelican is the only species that actively dives from the air to catch fish. It can soar to heights of 10–20 meters and then plunge into the water at high speed, often submerging completely. This hunting method resembles that of gulls or gannets, but pelicans are much larger.
- The wingspan of the largest pelican species can exceed 3 meters, making them among the largest flying birds in the world. Such a vast wing area allows them to glide in the air while expending minimal energy. This is especially important during migrations that require traveling hundreds of kilometers.
- Pelicans migrate over long distances, taking advantage of warm updrafts. They can fly for hours with little wing movement, conserving energy. Some populations travel from northern regions to the tropics, covering more than a thousand kilometers.
- Despite their large size, pelicans are relatively light because their bones are hollow and filled with air. This makes them ideally adapted for both flying and swimming. While this feature is common among birds, it is especially important for pelicans due to their massive beak.
- During the breeding season, pelicans build large nests out of branches, grass, and other plant materials. Their colonies can number hundreds or even thousands of individuals, creating a noisy bird settlement. Such clustering also helps protect against predators.
- The female lays between one and three eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them for about a month. After hatching, the chicks are also fed by both parents. Parental care lasts several months until the young pelicans become fully independent.
- Feeding chicks is unusual in pelicans, as parents regurgitate partially digested fish directly from their beaks. Chicks insert their heads into the throat pouch to take the food. This provides them with all the nutrients necessary for rapid growth.
- Young pelicans begin to fly at around 10–12 weeks old but remain near their parents for some time. They gradually learn to hunt on their own, at first catching small prey. Over time, they develop the full set of skills needed for survival.
- In the wild, pelicans live an average of 25–30 years, but in zoos or reserves, they can live over 35 years. Lifespan depends on food availability, climate, and the absence of threats from predators and humans.
- Adult pelicans have few natural enemies due to their large size and ability to defend themselves with their beak. However, eggs and chicks can fall prey to large birds of prey, monitor lizards, or mammals that raid nests.
- In the culture of many nations, pelicans symbolize self-sacrifice and boundless parental love. Ancient legends describe pelicans as willing to give their lives to save their chicks. This image has often been used in art and heraldry.
- Pelicans play an important role in regulating fish populations in bodies of water. They help maintain ecosystem balance by preventing certain species from overbreeding. Without them, aquatic biocenoses could undergo significant changes.
- Some pelicans have adapted to living near humans and hunt around fishing docks. They often beg fishermen for fish or even steal it from nets. This behavior makes them popular with tourists but can sometimes cause problems for local residents.
Pelicans are true masters of air and water, fascinating with their structure, behavior, and abilities. Learning captivating facts about these birds helps us better understand their role in nature and the need to protect their habitats. They combine elegance and strength, serve as an example of hunting efficiency, and are a model of family devotion. Preserving these extraordinary creatures is a contribution to the richness and diversity of wildlife.
